It was darker, smokier than the last time she had been here. Or perhaps it was simply another trick of a wearied mind. The wooden stair creaked as her foot landed, and she frowned. Much time had passed since her footfalls had not been soundless. Yet another blow to my pride, Tirasa mused. Very well, Elune, or Light, or Earthmother, or *whatever*, do your damndest. I’ll always be ready.
A middle-aged male human stood upon the balcony before her, speaking in hushed tones to the female assassin beside him. At the stair’s creak, he turned. “As surprising as ever, Tirasa.” The auburn-haired human chuckled as she approached. “I didn’t expect to see you until you had gained another five ranks of training.”
The night elf drew down the crimson mask she had torn from the dead Edwin Van Cleef’s face and smiled. “You knew I couldn’t wait to see you again, Fahrad.”
He snorted. “Somehow, I believe it was another.” He absently waved his hand. “In any case, on behalf of Lord Jorach, of course, I want to thank you for your continued work with the Ravenholdt Assassins.”
Ignoring his first comment, Tirasa nodded. “It is a pleasure, as always, sir. Azeroth’s leaders are blind to much, and it seems we in the shadows are the only ones who can truly see. Have you any missions for me at this time?”
“None at the moment. But… do not be a stranger.” He bowed dismissively and turned back to his business, leaving Tirasa gritting her teeth and muttering in Darnassian about the audacity of his race.
Making her way back down the stairs, she was hailed by another, all-too-familiar voice.
“Ishnu alah, Tirasa. Alo’dora, sha maeness fala insa suh.” The diction was strangely accented, but the grammar was perfect. She hadn’t heard that phrase in centuries.
“Wonderful to see you again, Myrokos.” A practiced sweet smile settled itself upon her mouth as she moved to face the Quel’dorei in the open room below. His ice-blue eyes showed a hint of triumph as she did this, and Tirasa quickly pulled the red mask up over the lower half of her face as she continued down the stairs.
“The pleasure is indeed all mine, night flower. It has been some time, and you have been missed.” He watched her make for the door. “Might I have a word with you?”
Narrowing her eyes, Tirasa stopped. “One… word.”
Opening his hands in a gesture of surrender, the blonde assassin grinned and chuckled, his eyes crinkling into a rare show of affection.
Tirasa sighed and moved to stand in front of him, glancing at the female human safeguarding him not a few feet away.
He merely shrugged. “The value of silence is priceless here, as you should know. But then again, I seem to remember quite a few nights where you had some trouble with that idea.”
“Enough, blood elf,” she snarled. “Say what you have to say and I’ll be off.”
“So beautiful when you’re angry…” he sighed, his eyes twinkling merrily. “No need to be hostile, I merely wished to congratulate you on the continued success of your latest mission.”
She shook her violet hair and groaned. “If I have *anything* to do about it, he will not fall into the wrong hands. I will protect him to the best of my ability, though I fear my guarding skills are meager at this point.”
“Yes, my condolences for your… condition. Perhaps you have more of a positive effect on the subject than you know.”
Smiling thinly under her mask, she nodded. “That is my hope as well. If that is all, I will take my leave.”
He nodded, and Tirasa turned and took a few steps towards the door.
“Oh, Tirasa…” His voice held a mocking edge, barely discernable. “We all know how things collapse once your feelings get in the way, don’t we?”
The night elf spun, her lip curling dangerously as her hands grasped for the hilts of her swords. “One day you will regret your insults, Myrokos. And, by Elune, I hope retribution comes by my hand.”
She bowed, and her appearance suddenly became one of serene composure. “Until then, I will use you until your secrets are no more.”
He bowed in return, a crooked smile of challenge etched across his harsh features.
http://www.talonsofravencrest.com/images/Myrokos2.jpg
Posted by Tirasa at 02:14 PM 18 August 2005